Solid-state Multicolor Image Sensor Patents (Class 348/272)
  • Patent number: 10777592
    Abstract: An image sensor includes a substrate, a photosensitive unit, a first grid and a color filter. The photosensitive unit is located within the substrate. The first grid is located above the substrate, and the first grid has a first portion and a second portion above the first portion, wherein the second portion has a rounded top surface extending from a sidewall of the first portion of the first grid. The color filter is located above the photosensitive unit and in contact with the rounded top surface of the second portion of the first grid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2020
    Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Yun-Wei Cheng, Chun-Hao Chou, Yin-Chieh Huang, Wan-Chen Huang, Zhe-Ju Liu, Kuo-Cheng Lee, Chi-Cherng Jeng
  • Patent number: 10728462
    Abstract: An image sensor, comprising: a first sensing region having a first size, configured to sense first kind of light having a first range of wavelengths; and a second sensing region having a second size, configured to sense second kind of light having a second range of wavelengths, wherein the first size and the second size are different, wherein at least portion of the first range of wavelengths and at least portion of the second range of wavelengths are different. The image sensor has a first light sensitivity level for sensing the first kind of light and has a second light sensitivity level for sensing the second kind of light, and a relation between the first size and the second size corresponds to a relation between the first light sensitivity level and the second light sensitivity level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2020
    Assignee: PixArt Imaging Inc.
    Inventor: Guo-Zhen Wang
  • Patent number: 10714522
    Abstract: An image sensor and a method for fabricating the same are provided, in which the image sensor includes a substrate including a first sensing region having a photoelectric device therein, a boundary isolation film partitioning the first sensing region, an inner reflection pattern film within the substrate in the sensing region, an infrared filter on the substrate, and a micro lens on the infrared filter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2020
    Assignee: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Sung Soo Choi, Kyung Ho Lee
  • Patent number: 10700132
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a solid-state imaging device that can achieve a high S/N ratio at a high sensitivity level without any decrease in resolution, and to an electronic apparatus. In the upper layer, the respective pixels of a photoelectric conversion unit that absorbs light of a first wavelength are tilted at approximately 45 degrees with respect to a square pixel array, and are two-dimensionally arranged in horizontal directions and vertical directions in an oblique array. The respective pixels of a photoelectric conversion unit that is sensitive to light of a second or third wavelength are arranged under the first photoelectric conversion unit. That is, pixels that are ?2 times as large in size (twice as large in area) and are rotated 45 degrees are arranged in an oblique array. The present disclosure can be applied to solid-state imaging devices that are used in imaging apparatuses, for example.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2020
    Assignee: Sony Semiconductor Solutions Corporation
    Inventor: Atsushi Toda
  • Patent number: 10692904
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a solid-state image sensing device, a drive method, and an electronic apparatus that suppress the color mixture of a phase difference detection signal to an image sensing signal. The solid-state image sensing device has a pixel area arranged with a plurality of pixels in which a first photoelectrical conversion section for photoelectrically converting a visible light of a first wavelength range and a second photoelectrical conversion section for photoelectrically converting a visible light of a second wavelength range are formed in different depths as viewed from a cross-sectional direction. Further, in each of the above-mentioned plurality of pixels, at least one of the first photoelectrical conversion section and the second photoelectrical conversion section is divided when viewed from a planar direction. The present technology is applicable to a solid-state image sensing device capable of detecting an image plane phase difference, for example.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2020
    Assignee: SONY SEMICONDUCTOR SOLUTIONS CORPORATION
    Inventor: Yoshiaki Tashiro
  • Patent number: 10651219
    Abstract: An image sensor and a method for fabricating the same are provided, in which the image sensor includes a substrate including a first sensing region having a photoelectric device therein, a boundary isolation film partitioning the first sensing region, an inner reflection pattern film within the substrate in the sensing region, an infrared filter on the substrate, and a micro lens on the infrared filter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2020
    Assignee: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Sung Soo Choi, Kyung Ho Lee
  • Patent number: 10608032
    Abstract: Disclosed is a complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) image sensor. The image sensor comprises a first separation zone in a substrate, the first separation zone defining first and second pixel regions arranged in a first direction, the first separation zone including first parts substantially parallel extending in the first direction, and the substrate including a first active region vertically overlapping one of the first parts and a second active region vertically overlapping another of the first parts. The image sensor further comprises first and second photoelectric conversion devices arranged in the first direction on at least one of the first and second pixel regions in the substrate, and a source follower gate on the first active region of the substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2020
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Jung Bin Yun, Kyungho Lee, Sung-Ho Choi
  • Patent number: 10572743
    Abstract: An apparatus includes a memory and a circuit. The memory may be configured to store an input image having a plurality of color channels. The circuit may be configured to (i) calculate a plurality of average values of each of the color channels in a plurality of windows around each of a plurality of pixel locations in the input image, (ii) calculate a plurality of feature values based on the average values using a feature extraction process and (iii) generate a plurality of likelihood values of a specific color at each of the pixel locations using the feature values in a color classification process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2020
    Assignee: Ambarella, Inc.
    Inventors: Yu Wang, Leslie D. Kohn
  • Patent number: 10551535
    Abstract: An image pickup apparatus that is capable of preventing degradation of quality of an image obtained. An insertion-extraction unit inserts and extracts a filter of which transmittance for infrared light is higher than the transmittance for visible light. A computation unit computes an object distance between the image pickup apparatus and an object. An evaluation unit evaluates an image quality based on at least a sharpness in an image including a picked up object image. A control unit controls the insertion-extraction unit so as to insert or extract the filter based on at least one of the image quality and the object distance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2020
    Assignee: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Shunsuke Chino, Minoru Haga, Seiya Ohta
  • Patent number: 10553244
    Abstract: A device for detecting light includes a photoreceptor array that is sensitive to the visible light spectrum and has a first wavelength sensor, a second wavelength sensor, and a third wavelength sensor. The first wavelength sensor has a first peak sensitivity at a first wavelength. The second wavelength sensor has a second peak sensitivity at a second wavelength. The third wavelength sensor has a third peak sensitivity at a third wavelength. The first wavelength sensor has a first base sensitivity at least 30% of the first peak sensitivity at the second wavelength and third wavelength. The second wavelength sensor has a second base sensitivity at least 30% of the second peak sensitivity at the first wavelength and third wavelength. The third wavelength sensor has a third base sensitivity at least 30% of the third peak sensitivity at the first wavelength and second wavelength.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2020
    Assignee: Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLC
    Inventors: Raymond Kirk Price, Michael Bleyer, Denis Demandolx
  • Patent number: 10534116
    Abstract: The present disclosure generally relates to hyperspectral spectroscopy, and in particular, to systems, methods and devices enabling a single-sensor hyperspectral imaging device. Hyperspectral (also known as “multispectral”) spectroscopy is an imaging technique that integrates multiples images of an object resolved at different narrow spectral bands (i.e., narrow ranges of wavelengths) into a single data structure, referred to as a three-dimensional hyperspectral data cube. Data provided by hyperspectral spectroscopy allow for the identification of individual components of a complex composition through the recognition of spectral signatures of individual components within the three-dimensional hyperspectral data cube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2020
    Assignee: Hypermed Imaging, Inc.
    Inventor: Mark Darty
  • Patent number: 10498988
    Abstract: Image processing devices and methods thereof use different color conversion data of an image obtained in a black-and-white mode under a low illuminance condition than that of an image obtained in a color mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 2, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2019
    Assignee: HANWHA TECHWIN CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Jong Seon Park, Jung Won Pac, Joo Hyun Yoon, Seung Wook Nam
  • Patent number: 10475833
    Abstract: A solid-state image sensor includes a plurality of first pixels and a plurality of second pixels. Each of the plurality of first pixels includes a first filter having a visible light transmittance higher than an infrared light transmittance, and a first photoelectric converter configured to receive visible light transmitted through the first filter, and each of the plurality of second pixels includes a second filter having an infrared light transmittance higher than a visible light transmittance, and a second photoelectric converter configured to receive infrared light transmitted through the second filter. The plurality of second pixels are divided into a plurality of groups each includes at least two second pixels. The solid-state image sensor includes a synthesizer configured to synthesize a signal from signals of the at least two second pixels included in each group.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2019
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Kazuaki Tashiro
  • Patent number: 10453883
    Abstract: The present technology relates to a focus detecting device and an electronic device that can adjust the maximum value and the minimum value of sensitivity in phase detection pixels. The focus detecting device and an electronic device each include a microlens, a photoreceptor configured to receive light entering through the microlens, a light shield film provided between the microlens and the photoreceptor and configured to limit an amount of light on the photoreceptor, and a light shield wall provided vertical to the light shield film. The light shield wall or the light shield walls having a predetermined height are provided on any one or both of surfaces of the light shield film facing the photoreceptor and the microlens. The present technology can be applied to an imaging device configured to detect a focus by detection of phase difference.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2019
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventor: Hironari Otsuji
  • Patent number: 10397502
    Abstract: An apparatus for imaging an object is equipped with an image sensor comprising a plurality of pixels; a charge-reading processor that reads out accumulated charges in a given pixel via a pixel circuit of the charge accumulated pixel; and a noise-reading processor that reads out noise signals from a pixel circuit for a given pixel. The noise-reading processor reads noise signals from a pixel circuit for a pixel that is an object of noise acquisition, in parallel with the reading of accumulated charges by the charge-reading processor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2019
    Assignee: RICOH IMAGING COMPANY, LTD.
    Inventor: Yoshitaka Kimura
  • Patent number: 10382713
    Abstract: An image sensor includes a first photoelectric conversion unit that converts light incident through a first opening to an electric charge, a second photoelectric conversion unit that converts light incident through a second opening which is smaller than the first opening to an electric charge, and a signal output wiring that outputs a first signal generated by the electric charge converted by the first photoelectric conversion unit and a second signal generated by the electric charge converted by the second photoelectric conversion unit. The second photoelectric conversion unit is disposed between the second opening and the signal output wiring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2019
    Assignee: NIKON CORPORATION
    Inventor: Hironobu Murata
  • Patent number: 10380717
    Abstract: An image processing method is provided. The image sensor outputs a merged image and a color-block image in a same scene. A preset target region is identified in the merged image. A part of the color-block image corresponding to a part of the merged image beyond the preset target region is converted into a first image using a first interpolation algorithm, and a part of the merged image within the preset target region is converted into a second image using a second interpolation algorithm. The first image and the second image are merged into a simulation image. An image processing apparatus and an electronic device are provided. With the image processing method and apparatus, and the electronic device the situation that the image sensor needs to take a long work to output a high quality image can be avoided, thus reducing the work time and improving the work efficiency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2019
    Assignee: GUANGDONG OPPO MOBILE TELECOMMUNICATIONS CORP., LTD.
    Inventor: Yi Wei
  • Patent number: 10366471
    Abstract: A method of de-mosaicing pixel data from an image processor includes generating a pixel block that includes a plurality of image pixels. The method also includes determining a first image gradient between a first set of pixels of the pixel block and a second image gradient between a second set of pixels of the pixel block. The method also includes determining a first adaptive threshold value based on intensity of a third set of pixels of the pixel block. The pixels of the third set of pixels are adjacent to one another. The method also includes filtering the pixel block in a vertical, horizontal, or neutral direction based on the first and second image gradients and the first adaptive threshold value utilizing a plurality of FIR filters to generate a plurality of component images.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2019
    Assignee: TEXAS INSTRUMENTS INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Shashank Dabral, Mihir Narendra Mody, Denis Beaudoin, Niraj Nandan, Gang Hua
  • Patent number: 10321083
    Abstract: To divide an image capture region into multiple regions for which different image capture conditions are set and to generate multiple moving images corresponding to the multiple regions. An electronic apparatus includes an image sensor that captures first and second moving images in first and second regions of an image capture region on different image capture conditions, the second region differing from the first region, and a moving image generation unit that generates the first and second moving images captured in the first and second regions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2019
    Assignee: NIKON CORPORATION
    Inventor: Satoshi Tsuchiya
  • Patent number: 10319277
    Abstract: An OLED display device is provided. The OLED display device comprises first pixel rows and second pixel rows. A first pixel row includes first and second pixel units, and a second pixel row includes third and fourth pixel units. A first, a second, a third, and a fourth pixel units have an identical hexagonal shape, and each includes a first, a second, a third, and a fourth sub-pixels, each of which has an identical pentagonal shape. The first sub-pixel in the first pixel unit, the second sub-pixel in the second pixel unit adjacent to the first pixel unit, the third sub-pixel unit in the third pixel unit adjacent to both the first pixel unit and the second pixel unit, and the fourth sub-pixel unit in the fourth pixel unit adjacent to both the first pixel unit and the second pixel unit have a same color and together form a hexagon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2019
    Assignees: Shanghai Tianma AM-OLED Co., Ltd., Tianma Micro-Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yongzhi Wang, Zhiyong Xiong
  • Patent number: 10298866
    Abstract: A photoelectric conversion element includes: light receiving elements that convert an optical signal into an electrical signal per pixel; offset fixing units that fix an offset of an output level of each of the light receiving elements to a reference level; analog/digital conversion units that convert signals respectively corresponding to a signal level being converted from an optical signal and output by the light receiving elements and a reset level output independent of an optical signal, into digital signals, according to the reference level; amplifier units that amplify a signal; and correlated double sampling units that perform correlated double sampling per each of the light receiving elements by using a signal based on the reset level and a signal based on the signal level, wherein the amplifier units amplify the signal corresponding to the reset level and the signal corresponding to the signal level before implementing the correlated double sampling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2019
    Assignee: Ricoh Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Hideki Hashimoto, Masamoto Nakazawa
  • Patent number: 10298888
    Abstract: According to an embodiment, an adaptive analyzer of sensitivity difference of same color pixels analyzes a sensitivity difference of same color pixels of an image sensor. The same color pixels are divided into first and second groups. The adaptive analyzer includes an accumulator, a calculator, a correction ratio controller and a memory. The accumulator is configured to cumulatively add pixel values of pixels in the first group and pixel values of pixels in the second group per macro block, respectively, on an image captured in the image sensor. The calculator is configured to calculate a ratio between a cumulatively added value of the pixels in the first group and a cumulatively added value of the pixels in the second group in the macro block. The correction ratio controller is configured to set a correction ratio for the sensitivity difference based on the ratio per macro block.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2019
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventor: Sohichiroh Hosoda
  • Patent number: 10277803
    Abstract: A control method for controlling an electronic apparatus includes controlling an image sensor to output a merged image and a color block image of a same scene; defining a first predetermined region using the merged image based on a user input; converting the color block image into a first imitating image and converting the merged image into a restored image, wherein a second predetermined region in the color block image is converted using a first interpolating method, and the second predetermined region corresponds to the first predetermined region, and wherein a third predetermined region in the merged image is converted using a second interpolating method, and the third predetermined region corresponds to a first region outside the first predetermined region; obtaining a second imitating image by synthesizing the first imitating image and the restored image. An electronic apparatus is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2019
    Assignee: GUANGDONG OPPO MOBILE TELECOMMUNICATIONS CORP., LTD.
    Inventor: Yi Wei
  • Patent number: 10264948
    Abstract: An endoscope device includes: a light source unit; an imaging device; a color filter in which a filter unit is arranged, the filter unit in which the number of filters which transmit light of a green wavelength band is equal to or larger than half the total number of filters and the number of filters which transmit light of a blue wavelength band is equal to or larger than the number of filters which transmit the light of the green wavelength band; and a noise reducing unit configured to select a pixel of interest based on used filter information determined according to the light emitted by the light source unit and a characteristic of each filter forming the color filter and detect motion between images captured at different times by using an electric signal output by the pixel of interest, thereby reducing a noise component included in the image signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2019
    Assignee: OLYMPUS CORPORATION
    Inventor: Naoya Kuriyama
  • Patent number: 10271000
    Abstract: Disclosed is an image sensor module which includes a pixel array including a plurality of sub-pixels arranged along a plurality of rows and a plurality of columns, an analog to digital converter connected to the pixel array through a plurality of data lines and converting signals output from the plurality of sub-pixels into digital signals, a row decoder connected to the pixel array through a plurality of selection lines, a plurality of transfer lines, and a plurality of reset lines, and a control logic circuit controlling the analog to digital converter and the row decoder to allow a plurality of sub-frames to be sequentially outputted from the plurality of sub-pixels, wherein each of the plurality of sub-frames is generated based on signals output from different sub-pixels among the plurality of sub-pixels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2019
    Assignee: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Yohwan Noh, Chaesung Kim
  • Patent number: 10269844
    Abstract: Structures and formation methods of a light sensing device are provided. The light sensing device includes a semiconductor substrate and a light sensing region in the semiconductor substrate. The light sensing device also includes a filter element over the semiconductor substrate and aligned with the light sensing region. The filter element has a first portion and a second portion, and the first portion is between the second portion and the light sensing region. The light sensing device further includes a light shielding element over the semiconductor substrate and beside the first portion of the filter element. In addition, the light sensing device includes a dielectric element over the light shielding element and beside the second portion of the filter element. A top width of the light shielding element is greater than a bottom width of the dielectric element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2019
    Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Yun-Wei Cheng, Yi-Hsing Chu, Yin-Chieh Huang, Chun-Hao Chou, Kuo-Cheng Lee, Hsun-Ying Huang, Hsin-Chi Chen
  • Patent number: 10271019
    Abstract: Techniques are described for using an integrated lightbulb camera system for monitoring a property. The integrated lightbulb camera system can have a housing that includes one or more cameras, a power-line communication (PLC) chip, and one or more processors. The PLC chip can be configured to enable communications between the lightbulb camera system and one or more external devices. The one or more processors can be configured to control the one or more cameras to capture one or more images and control the PLC chip to transmit at least one of the one or more captured images over a power-line to at least one of the one or more external devices. The integrated lightbulb camera can also have a lightbulb compatible screw base that is configured to mount the housing to a lightbulb socket and accept electrical current that is provided to the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2019
    Assignee: Alarm.com Incorporated
    Inventors: Benjamin Asher Berg, Charles Richard Alpert
  • Patent number: 10264223
    Abstract: An image processing device according to the present invention includes: a color space conversion unit that calculates brightness signals and color difference signals from RGB signals of two images of a single subject acquired under different image acquisition conditions; a color difference determination unit that determines whether or not the absolute value of the difference between the color difference signals of the two images calculated by the color space conversion unit is smaller than a predetermined threshold value; and a color averaging unit that, if the color difference determination unit determines that the absolute value of the difference between the color difference signals of the two images is smaller than the threshold value, averages the color difference signals of the two images and calculates average color difference signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2019
    Assignee: OLYMPUS CORPORATION
    Inventor: Akikazu Yachi
  • Patent number: 10257454
    Abstract: A solid-state imaging device includes: a semiconductor layer having a first surface and a second surface that oppose each other; and a plurality of photodiodes stacked in the semiconductor layer. One or more photodiodes of the plurality of photodiodes also serve as a transfer path of a signal charge accumulated in other photodiodes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2019
    Assignee: SONY SEMICONDUCTOR SOLUTIONS CORPORATION
    Inventor: Kyosuke Ito
  • Patent number: 10257455
    Abstract: An apparatus is described that includes an image sensor and a light source driver circuit integrated in a same semiconductor chip package. The image sensor includes visible light pixels and depth pixels. The depth pixels are to sense light generated with a light source drive signal. The light source drive signal is generated with the light source driver circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2019
    Assignee: Google LLC
    Inventors: Cheng-Yi Andrew Lin, Clemenz Lenard Portmann
  • Patent number: 10255660
    Abstract: The present disclosure generally relates to the field of demosaicing an image captured by an image sensor including a color filter array, and more specifically relate to such a demosaicing operation using the GPU, shaders of the GPU and built-in rasterization function of the GPU.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2019
    Assignee: SONY MOBILE COMMUNICATIONS INC.
    Inventors: Håkan Grahn, Stefan Petersson, Jim Rasmusson
  • Patent number: 10249657
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a solid-state image sensing device, a drive method, and an electronic apparatus that are configured to suppress the color mixture of a phase difference detection signal to an image sensing signal. The solid-state image sensing device has a pixel area configured to be arranged with a plurality of pixels in which a first photoelectrical conversion section for photoelectrically converting a visible light of a first wavelength range and a second photoelectrical conversion section for photoelectrically converting a visible light of a second wavelength range are formed in different depths as viewed from a cross-sectional direction, and a drive section configured to execute a drive operation of reading each pixel signal having a level corresponding to charges generated in each of the first photoelectrical conversion section and the second photoelectrical conversion section from each of the above-mentioned plurality of pixels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2019
    Assignee: SONY SEMICONDUCTOR SOLUTIONS CORPORATION
    Inventor: Yoshiaki Tashiro
  • Patent number: 10244194
    Abstract: An imaging element includes: an imaging unit in which a plurality of pixel groups including a plurality of pixels that output pixel signals according to incident light are formed, and on which incident light corresponding to mutually different pieces of image information is incident; a control unit that controls, for each of the pixel groups, a period of accumulating in the plurality of pixels included in the pixel group; and a readout unit that is provided to each of the pixel groups, and reads out the pixel signals from the plurality of pixels included in the pixel group.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2019
    Assignee: NIKON CORPORATION
    Inventors: Shiro Tsunai, Hironobu Murata
  • Patent number: 10184893
    Abstract: Examples relate to providing hyperspectral scanning of a surface. In some examples, motion capture data of unobstructed portions of the surface are captured, and spectral data of the surface are captured through a slit assembly and diffraction grating. The motion capture data are processed to determine a movement of a scanning device. At this stage, the spectral data are translated and rotated based on the movement of the scanning device to generate images that each correspond to a different color channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2019
    Assignee: Hewlett Packard Enterprise Development LP
    Inventors: Charles M Santori, James William Stasiak, Garry Hinch
  • Patent number: 10182182
    Abstract: An apparatus is described that includes an image sensor having a first output port and a second output port. The first output port is to transmit a first image stream concurrently with a second image stream transmitted from the second output port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2019
    Assignee: Google LLC
    Inventors: Roman Lewkow, Chung Chun Wan
  • Patent number: 10182200
    Abstract: A pixel array system for high accuracy detection of displacement, speed and acceleration includes: an array comprising m columns and n rows, wherein at least every other row is offset with respect to a preceding row of the array. In a first embodiment, every other row is offset with respect to a preceding row of the array by 25% of a pixel width. In a second embodiment, every two rows are offset with respect to a preceding two rows of the array by 25% of a pixel width.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2019
    Assignee: PixArt Imaging Inc.
    Inventors: Sai Mun Lee, Wui Pin Lee
  • Patent number: 10165278
    Abstract: An image compression device includes a basic unit setting unit configured to set a basic unit of compression by using each of a plurality of color elements forming colors of pixels of image data independently or combining the plurality of color elements arbitrarily and a compression process unit configured to compress a value of the set basic unit according to an encoding process base on a predetermined rule. A complex process is not executed differently from a video codec or a still image codec according to the related art and the compression is performed by a simple process for encoding values of basic units set for the plurality of color elements forming the colors of the individual pixels, on the basis of the predetermined rule. As a result, a process load of the extension can be reduced as compared with the related art.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2018
    Assignee: Alpine Electronics, Inc.
    Inventor: Hideyuki Hatakeyama
  • Patent number: 10154213
    Abstract: An imaging sensor may include an array of imaging pixels and at least two rows of dark pixels. Each imaging pixel may include a photodiode that generates charge in response to incident light. Each dark pixel may include a photodiode that is shielded from incident light by shielding material. The at least two rows of dark pixels may be sampled simultaneously and averaged to obtain an average dark pixel charge level. The average dark pixel charge level may be subtracted from each imaging pixel charge level to correct the imaging pixel charge levels for noise. Each column of dark pixels may include a column line that is coupled to first and second readout circuits. Each column line may be coupled to first and second current sources. Each column line may be coupled to at least one capacitor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2018
    Assignee: SEMICONDUCTOR COMPONENTS INDUSTRIES, LLC
    Inventor: Hai Yan
  • Patent number: 10139819
    Abstract: An unmanned vehicle control system is provided. In one embodiment, the control system comprises an image acquisition device configured to capture an image. A vehicle is configured to receive and execute a vehicle control command. A control device is configured to generate the vehicle control command. The control device comprises a display component, an input component and a processor. The display component is configured to present the image obtained from the image acquisition device. The input component is configured to receive an input, wherein the input at least references the obtained image. The processor is configured to obtain the image from the image acquisition device, analyze the received input, and generate the vehicle control command. A communication component is configured to facilitate transmission of the vehicle control command to the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2018
    Assignee: Innovative Signal Analysis, Inc.
    Inventors: Raymond Hollida, Daniel P. Gibbs, Dylan Forciea, Robert Wayne Tibbit
  • Patent number: 10136108
    Abstract: An imaging device includes a plurality of first pixels that includes pixels of a plurality of color components and generates a first signal from incident light, a plurality of second pixels that generates a second signal from light that has transmitted at least a part of the first pixels, and a signal generation unit that generates a signal obtained by combining the first signal and the second signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2018
    Assignee: NIKON CORPORATION
    Inventor: Yuki Aruga
  • Patent number: 10136093
    Abstract: A solid-state imaging apparatus comprises a pixel array, a first column output line provided for each column of the pixel array, a first constant current source, a scanning unit configured to select the pixel portions for each row, and a current control unit configured to control current values, wherein the scanning unit can switch between a normal readout mode and a mixing readout mode, and in the mixing readout mode, the current control unit controls the current values of the first column output lines so that the current value of the first column output line to which the signals of at least one color are simultaneously output is smaller than the current value of the first column output line to which the signals of another color are simultaneously output.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2018
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Masanori Tanaka, Nobuhiro Takeda, Teruyuki Okado
  • Patent number: 10129531
    Abstract: An imaging apparatus including an imaging lens, and an image sensor array of first and second image sensor units, wherein a single first image sensor unit includes a single first microlens and a plurality of image sensors, a single second image sensor unit includes a single second microlens and a single image sensor, light passing through the imaging lens and reaching each first image sensor unit passes through the first microlens and forms an image on the image sensors constituting the first image sensor unit, light passing through the imaging lens and reaching each second image sensor unit passes through the second microlens and forms an image on the image sensor constituting the second image sensor unit, an inter-unit light shielding layer is formed between the image sensor units, and a light shielding layer is not formed between the image sensor units constituting the first image sensor unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2018
    Assignee: SONY SEMICONDUCTOR SOLUTIONS CORPORATION
    Inventor: Tomohiro Yamazaki
  • Patent number: 10110809
    Abstract: An image processing method and apparatus, and an electronic device are provided. The image processing method is applied in an electronic device. The electronic device includes an image sensor. The image sensor includes an array of photosensitive pixel units and an array of filter units arranged on the array of photosensitive pixel units, each filter unit corresponds to one photosensitive pixel unit, and each photosensitive pixel unit includes a plurality of photosensitive pixels. The image processing method includes outputting a merged image by the image sensor; determining a focusing area of the merged image; determining whether there is a target object in the focusing area; and when there is the target object in the focusing area, converting the merged image into a merged true-color image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2018
    Assignee: Guangdong Oppo Mobile Telecommunications Corp., Ltd.
    Inventor: Cheng Tang
  • Patent number: 10109133
    Abstract: An apparatus, a corresponding method, and value-document processing system for checking value documents that has at least two radiation sources for giving off electromagnetic radiation with which a value document is irradiated, at least one sensor for capturing the electromagnetic radiation emanating from the value document, and generating corresponding sensor signals. The apparatus has an evaluation device configured to derive from the sensor signals corrected sensor signals taking into account at least one spectral property of the electromagnetic radiation of the at least two radiation sources. The sensor signals corrected in this way reproduce the actual reflection or transmission behavior of the value document substantially more precisely than the uncorrected sensor signals. Disturbing remission or transmission artifacts may be attributed to so-called auxiliary emissions of the radiation sources are eliminated or at least reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2018
    Assignee: GIESECKE+DEVRIENT CURRENCY TECHNOLOGY GMBH
    Inventors: Jörg Frankenberger, Thomas Giering, Wolfgang Rauscher
  • Patent number: 10083497
    Abstract: A method for demosaicing, performed by a processing unit, at least containing: acquiring a frame with a Bayer pattern, wherein the Bayer pattern has alternating red (R), green (G) and blue (B) pixels; calculating a green (RG) value for each R pixel; calculating a green (BG) value for each B pixel; calculating a blue (RB) value for each R pixel; and calculating a red (BR) value for each B pixel. The step of calculating an RG or BG value for each R or B pixel at least contains: selecting one of a first interpolation algorithm and a second interpolation algorithm according to chrominance differences between the R or B pixel and surrounding pixels in a horizontal direction and a vertical direction; and using the selected interpolation algorithm to calculate the RG or BG value for the R or B pixel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2018
    Assignee: VIA ALLIANCE SEMICONDUCTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Yuanyuan Wang, Aimin Liang
  • Patent number: 10075608
    Abstract: An image reading apparatus which reads an image includes a first pixel that includes a first light receiving element which performs photoelectric conversion; a second pixel that includes a second light receiving element which performs photoelectric conversion; a first reading circuit that includes a first capacitor which is electrically connected to the first pixel and a first amplifier having an input terminal which is electrically connected to the first capacitor; a second reading circuit that includes a second capacitor which is electrically connected to the second pixel, a second amplifier, and a first switch which switches whether or not to electrically connect the second capacitor to an input terminal of the second amplifier; and a second switch that switches whether or not to electrically connect a first node between the first capacitor and the first amplifier to a second node between the second capacitor and the second amplifier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2018
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventor: Takafumi Sano
  • Patent number: 10068939
    Abstract: A solid-state imaging device includes a semiconductor substrate; and a pixel unit having a plurality of pixels on the semiconductor substrate, wherein the pixel unit includes first pixel groups having two or more pixels and second pixel groups being different from the first pixel groups, wherein a portion of the pixels in the first pixel groups and a portion of the pixels in the second pixel groups share a floating diffusion element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2018
    Assignee: Sony Semiconductor Solutions Corporation
    Inventors: Hiroaki Ishiwata, Sanghoon Ha
  • Patent number: 10054438
    Abstract: A sensing device for obtaining geometric referenced multi-spectral image data of a RoI in relative movement with respect to the device, the sensing device having: a first and second 2D sensor element, the device obtaining subsequent multi-spectral images during the relative motion of the Rol thus providing distinct spectral information for parts of a Rol using the first element; and providing, using the second element, an image of the Rol for generating geometric referencing information to be coupled to the distinct spectral information; each element capturing a sequence of frames at a respective frame rate. The first frame rate is higher than the second frame rate. The device generates intermediate geometric referencing information to be coupled to frames of the first sequence of frames for which no synchronous frame from the second sequence of frames is available, derived from temporally similar frames from the second sequence of frames.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2018
    Assignee: VITO NV
    Inventors: Bart Michiels, Bavo Delaure, Stefan Livens
  • Patent number: 10050073
    Abstract: A solid-state imaging device including an imaging area where a plurality of unit pixels are disposed to capture a color image, wherein each of the unit pixels includes: a plurality of photoelectric conversion portions; a plurality of transfer gates, each of which is disposed in each of the photoelectric conversion portions to transfer signal charges from the photoelectric conversion portion; and a floating diffusion to which the signal charges are transferred from the plurality of the photoelectric conversion portions by the plurality of the transfer gates, wherein the plurality of the photoelectric conversion portions receive light of the same color to generate the signal charges, and wherein the signal charges transferred from the plurality of the photoelectric conversion portions to the floating diffusion are added to be output as an electrical signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2018
    Assignee: SONY SEMICONDUCTOR SOLUTIONS CORPORATION
    Inventor: Hiroaki Ishiwata
  • Patent number: 10038854
    Abstract: An example device for reducing the size and color cross-talk of an imaging-based tactile sensor includes an elastic material, one or more light sources, and an image capture device. The elastic material includes a reflective membrane. The reflective membrane conforms to a shape of an object pressed against the elastic material. Each light source of the one or more light sources is configured to illuminate at least a portion of the reflective membrane. The image capture device is configured to capture at least one image of the reflective membrane. The image capture device includes (i) an image sensor configured to generate the at least one image based on light incident on the image sensor and (ii) a plurality of lenses configured to direct light onto the image sensor. Each lens of the plurality of lenses is configured to direct light onto a corresponding portion of the image sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2018
    Assignee: X Development LLC
    Inventors: Emily Cooper, Xiaoyu Miao